New York's licensed cannabis community is gathering again. On March 13, 2026, the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA) hosts its 4th Annual Industry Event at The Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn, and this year's turnout is expected to top 1,500 attendees.
That's not just a number. It's a signal.
In a market still fighting for stability, the fact that more licensed operators are showing up each year says something meaningful about where New York cannabis is headed.
What Is NYCRA?
The New York Cannabis Retail Association is a statewide organization built around one core idea: licensed retailers need a seat at the table.
NYCRA supports that through policy advocacy, regulatory transparency, retailer education, supply chain relationship building, and community development. As New York's adult-use market matures, operators continue to wrestle with evolving regulations, compliance pressure, capital constraints, and rising competition. NYCRA sits at the center of those challenges, connecting retailers, brands, and stakeholders who are committed to building something sustainable inside the regulated system.
In plain terms, NYCRA builds rooms where real business gets done.
Why This Event Matters Right Now
New York's cannabis market has had a complicated few years. Rapid license issuance, aggressive enforcement against illicit operators, cash flow pressure on retailers, and ongoing regulatory uncertainty have defined the landscape. Brands are competing harder for shelf space. Operators are grinding through compliance demands with limited support.
Against that backdrop, an event like this serves two purposes: it's a business development environment and a much-needed reset.
"This is a defining moment for the New York cannabis community," said Jayson Tantalo, Co-Founder of NYCRA. "In the midst of the chaotic moments we are all facing, this is the perfect time for us to come together, support one another, and celebrate simply being licensed and part of this growing industry."
Award-winning brands including Skyworld and High Peaks, both recognized with High Times Cannabis Cup honors, are expected to attend. Representatives affiliated with High Times will also be present to showcase their latest initiatives.
The focus goes beyond brand showcases. The real work happens in conversations about supply chain relationships, partnership opportunities, and how licensed operators can strengthen their position inside New York's regulated market.
NYCRA Co-Founder and VP Operations, Jayson Tantalo
What to Expect on March 13
The event runs from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm at The Chocolate Factory, 70 Scott Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237. It is open to attendees 21 and older.
This is not a consumer pop-up. It is a business event built specifically for licensed operators, industry professionals, and accredited media. Attendees can expect direct access to licensed New York cannabis retailers, product showcases and experiential brand activations, strategic networking with decision-makers, media exposure and partnership opportunities, and live entertainment curated by DJ Ruthless, personal DJ to Dave East.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
A Media Partner's Take
As a media partner with direct experience at previous NYCRA events, The Bluntness has watched these gatherings evolve into something more consequential than a networking mixer.
"What stands out is not just the crowd size. It's the seriousness of the room. Retailers are not there for hype. They are there to solve problems, build supply chain relationships, and find ways to survive and thrive in one of the most complex cannabis markets in the country. NYCRA has become a stabilizing force for licensed operators who need advocacy, access, and alignment. In a fragmented market, they are building cohesion," said Harrison Wise, founder of The Bluntness.
That cohesion is not optional. In a state where compliance is demanding and capital is tight, licensed retailers need trusted vendor relationships, collective advocacy, shared market intelligence, media visibility, and a genuine sense of community. NYCRA is positioning itself at the center of all of it.
About the Venue
The Chocolate Factory at 70 Scott Ave is a well-known industrial event space in East Williamsburg. Its layout handles large-scale vendor activations, stage programming, and high-density networking without losing the raw, cultural energy that defines New York's cannabis scene.
That aesthetic fits. The space mirrors the industry itself: unpolished, resilient, and still being built.
The Bigger Picture: New York Cannabis in 2026
More licensed dispensaries are opening statewide. Enforcement against unlicensed storefronts is intensifying. Brand competition for retail shelf space is heating up. The market is maturing, and the operators who build the right relationships now are the ones who will have staying power.
Events like NYCRA's 4th Annual are not social gatherings with an industry coat of paint. They are infrastructure. They create the alignment between retailers, brands, media, and advocacy groups that a healthy regulated market depends on.
For licensed operators in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, or upstate New York, this is a concentrated opportunity to meet the decision-makers who matter, in one room, in one night.
Event Details
New York Cannabis Retail Association 4th Annual Industry Event The Chocolate Factory, 70 Scott Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 March 13, 2026 | 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm | 21+
Follow NYCRA on Instagram: @nycannabisretailassociation Media inquiries: nycannabisretailassociation@gmail.com
NYCRA Co-Founder and VP Operations, Jayson Tantalo
NYCRA Co-Founder and VP Operations, Jayson Tantalo
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If you're licensed in New York and serious about building inside the regulated system, this is a room worth being in.
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